5 natural remedies to alleviate coughs
By Jessah Robinson, Adv Dip (Nut Med)
Although Spring has arrived, so many of our patients are currently coming down with colds, flu and other respiratory infections. Coughs are one of the most common ailments that can occur at this time, and while coughs can help to expel irritants and infections from the body, persistent coughing can become a real problem. Here are 5 natural remedies to ease a pesky cough:
1. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, and a study found that it is the anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger that can relax airway membranes and reduce coughing. Brew a ginger tea by adding some fresh ginger to a cup of hot water, allowing to steep for a few minutes before drinking, or simply buy lemon and ginger tea bags.
2. Fluids
Not just any fluids will do, hydrating fluids such as filtered water, bone broth, herbal teas, or raw vegetable juices are best. Check out this bone broth recipe: Quick Bone Broth For Beginners. Research found that drinking liquids at room temperature can help to alleviate a cough, runny nose and sneezing. There are also several immune-boosting juice recipes in Dr Cabot’s book ‘Raw Juices Can Save Your Life’.
3. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that is naturally found in pineapple, and it is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help to break down mucus and suppress coughing. Bromelain is present in Ultimate Superfood powder, a breakthrough formula that contains 28 different superfoods, protein, vitamins and minerals. It helps to boost energy levels, strengthen the immune system and enhance toxin removal.
4. Thyme
Not just a tasty spice to flavour up your dishes, thyme is also a common remedy to treat a cough and sore throat. Thyme and other essential oils are combined in BactoClear capsules and can be helpful for mucus congestion, sinusitis, gut health and immune health.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics can indirectly relieve a cough by providing beneficial bacteria to boost the immune system and ward off infections or allergens that may be contributing to your cough. Probiotics are in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, miso and kombucha. The probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii is in Ultimate Gut Health powder, a gut-strengthening formula that promotes healthy gut bacteria and assists with heavy metal detox.
Children’s Immune Strength powder combines the herb black elder flower along with minerals and helps reduce the severity of colds and flu.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3604064/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19145994
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